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Howard blasts Baggies stewards

Reading midfielder Brian Howard has hit out at West Brom's stewards after Wednesday's FA Cup replay.

Last Updated: 26/02/10 10:13am

Reading midfielder Brian Howard has hit out at West Bromwich Albion's stewards after a stormy end to Wednesday night's FA Cup fifth-round replay.

The Royals' 3-2 victory was marred in the final minute of extra time when Jobi McAnuff was sent off for an altercation with Baggies midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu.

Members of Brian McDermott's side then clashed with stewards after being prevented from celebrating with their own fans after the final whistle.

Howard, who scored the injury-time equaliser which forced extra-time, told the Daily Mail: "The steward got the linesman to send Jobi off after he had a squabble with Mulumbu and then tried to manhandle him off the pitch.

"We tried to calm it down but then the stewards wouldn't let us celebrate with the fans. It was farcical.

Aggressive

"I tried throwing my shirt into the crowd but the steward said it could start a riot, which was ridiculous. I threw it anyway and he started to grab me. One of our fitness coaches tried to stop him and the steward gave him a dig in the ribs.

"They were incredibly aggressive and got totally carried away. They obviously get bullied at home by their wives. The power of wearing one of those bright orange jackets totally went to their heads.

"Even after the match the stewards tried to get on the coach but luckily they were stopped otherwise it would have been carnage. They started taking their jackets off and pointing at us to get off the coach and fight them.

"A few of the lads were going to get off and have a go. I thought I was outside a local boozer at one in the morning not at a football ground."

West Brom have issued a statement denying any wrongdoing on behalf of their stewards but the FA confirmed on Thursday night they would be launching an investigation.